Description

Up at the top of the West Ridge, this route has nice position. The first pitch is easy 5.9, then comes a nice crux. It is very technical, but not sustained, a 3-move sequence with a big gravity bill waiting for anyone who doesn't keep their eyes and mind wide open. It seems a little harder than some area 5.11a's, but again, the crux is short.

Protection

The pro solid for someone of average height. The crux is a bomber small-medium (#6BD) nut placement above the head that is at the feet when the crux is completed. Take a normal rack with 2 big-hand-sized cams for the jams getting up to the crux.

I did this climb this morning. This 2 star route is a good choice for an aspiring 11- leader. The crux is not too long, not too hard and not too generic. Also, as the reviewer stated, the gear is bomber. All the pitches are short and the belay ledges are nice. It is possible to rap from some fixed slings at the top of P2 (it wouldn't hurt for someone to replace 1 of them), but the 3rd pitch is worth doing and the walk-off is very easy. For P3, basically head slightly left, then up to the crack.

There is currently a microwave sized very loose block on the belay ledge beneath the crux. It seems the whole ledge has recently undergone some erosion that has loosened up the block. If someone can safley trundle it, it would be good public service. If you are climbing the first pitch, be really careful when you get to the ledge

One more gear option at the crux: a little red C3. I can attest to the fact that this placement will hold 185 downward-bound pounds. Agreed that it's good for the aspiring 11- leader in that the gear is so solid at the short crux.

I've done this one a few times, and something interesting that I noticed - if the sun is shining on it, for some reason I have a harder time seeing certain holds (like the important ones...). Kind of weird. Agree with those above who recommend for an entry level 11 at Eldo, as the protection is very good.

I'm surprised that this climb doesn't get more stars. All of the rock is really good. It is short though. The crux was really straightforward for me, not awkward at all. I climbed the upper crack straight in with both feet in the crack. Anchor up top is in good shape.

My first 11a lead in Eldo...seemed like a good place to start. Did pitches 1/2 together and was able to rappel with a 60m rope from the top of pitch 2, just after the crux. I placed a 3 and a 3.5 in the top of the wide crack just below where the crack disappears. Then I pulled up and used a face hold to the left and then right before swinging my feet up an over to the right. My partner thought I might be off route. Any comments?